Big Chicken: Shaquille O’Neal’s Venture
Welcome to another exciting episode of Emerging Franchise Brands. Today, Frank Pheule, founder of i9 Sports, sits down with Josh Halpern, the CEO of Big Chicken. Halpern shares insights into the dynamic and rapidly expanding fried chicken franchise backed by NBA legend Shaquille O’Neal.
The Birth of Big Chicken
Shaquille O’Neal’s entrepreneurial journey took a delicious turn with the inception of Big Chicken. The concept was born out of Shaq’s deep-seated love for fried chicken, a staple from his childhood days. Growing up in a military family with limited means, Shaq’s mother, Lucille, would create memorable meals with fried chicken being a family favorite. This childhood nostalgia, coupled with Shaq’s desire to create a lasting legacy, laid the foundation for Big Chicken.
A Unique Proposition
Big Chicken differentiates itself in the crowded fried chicken market with its focus on “big flavor, big fun, and big food.” The menu boasts creative items like a chicken sandwich topped with macaroni and cheese and onion straws, offering a unique culinary experience. Furthermore, the brand’s ability to collaborate with other innovative ventures, such as hosting a podcast episode in the restaurant or planning the first franchise in outer space, highlights its commitment to blending good food with big fun.
The Franchise Journey
Josh Halpern joined Big Chicken as CEO in 2021, bringing with him a wealth of experience from his time at Anheuser-Busch. Under his leadership, Big Chicken has grown to include both traditional brick-and-mortar locations and non-traditional outlets in stadiums, airports, and casinos. The brand’s strategic growth is driven by a strong support system and a commitment to ensuring franchisee success.
Ideal Franchise Owners
Big Chicken seeks multi-unit, multi-concept operators who are actively involved in their business. Halpern emphasizes the importance of having franchisees who are passionate about the brand and focused on delivering excellent customer experiences. The ideal franchisee is someone who values transparent communication and has a maniacal focus on unit-level economics.
Overcoming Challenges
Halpern shares that one of the biggest surprises in franchising is the fragility of the business. Factors like rising food costs and labor rates can quickly impact unit economics. To mitigate these challenges, Big Chicken maintains a robust supply chain and continuously innovates to keep costs in check. The brand’s approach to technology, such as introducing kiosks and exploring drive-thru AI, aims to enhance efficiency and improve customer experiences.
Franchisee Success Stories
Halpern highlights the success of franchisees like David and Laurie Jones in Seattle. Despite early challenges, they have built thriving locations and provided invaluable feedback to help improve the system. Their commitment to the brand and willingness to pilot new initiatives exemplifies the type of franchisee Big Chicken aims to attract.
Looking Ahead
With 350 units in development and plans for international expansion, Big Chicken is poised for significant growth. The brand’s strategic approach to supply chain management and unwavering focus on quality ensures it can scale without compromising on its core values.
October 2, 2024
